Sigh too true. I guess your right, its just a pain. Maybe I've been playing the little uns too long. Started a new game with the Byz and I promise, I am having no problems with influence or star struck heirs. First Emp has 6 crowns and after a little disagreement with the turks over who rules rum my Emp went up to 7. I kept him there until he kicked off and after hunting down the right heir to take the throne. That heir skipped over his papa's 6 influence and started off at 8.

It was a pleasant surprise after playing the above mentioned games where I end up owning the world just after the Horde because I'm constantly trying to up my king's influence rating. About time that game gave me a little respect.